Answers · Backyard Design-Build
Backyard design in Phoenix: how a real design-build process works
A Phoenix backyard design should be buildable — materials, quantities, permit-ready plans, and real pricing — not a mood board. Here's how the AE process actually works.
The honest version: Design-build means one team owns both the plan and the build, so nothing gets lost between designer and contractor. AE Outdoor Living designs, permits, and manages the build, with mostly AE employee crews and qualified specialty partners where needed. Design engagement typically lands $1,500–$5,000 depending on scope, credited back to the build.
- AZ ROC 211530 · 347738 · 341002 · 340966
- Arizona-built since 2005
- President, Southwest Hardscapes Association
01
The design-build process, step by step
- Site walk — we walk the yard, measure, discuss use, sun, sightlines, kids/pets.
- 3D concept — plan view + rendered 3D from your key vantage points.
- Material board — real samples of pavers, tile, coping, finish, plants.
- Engineered permit set — plans, structural, gas, electrical, drainage.
- Build — under one signed contract with milestone payments.
02
What a design-build backyard usually includes
- Hardscape — patio, walkways, driveway.
- Shade — ramada, pergola, or covered patio.
- Lawn zone — artificial turf or desert-adapted native.
- Focal features — pool, spa, fire pit, water feature.
- Outdoor kitchen or BBQ island.
- Landscape lighting (yard + permanent architectural LEDs).
- Planting palette on drip irrigation.
03
Payment schedule (non-pool)
- 50% deposit at approval / 35% at project start or materials delivery / 15% balance at substantial completion.
FAQ
Common questions.
Concept + 3D: 1–3 weeks. Full permit set for a complex build: 3–6 weeks after concept approval.
Yes — we regularly build to outside designers' plans. We'll flag any spec that won't perform in AZ before signing.
Yes — especially on larger projects. We'll master-plan the whole yard and build in 2–3 phases so nothing gets torn up twice.
Design your Phoenix backyard
Send lot photos and a rough wish list — we'll come back with a design direction and a real range before you commit to design fees.
Start My Project PlanYour home investment — protected
Why this is an investment, not a cost.
An AE backyard is engineered to add daily livability and long-term home value. We publish honest ranges and build to code with a licensed and bonded Arizona crew. AE provides project-specific workmanship and manufacturer-warranty information in the signed agreement. Website summaries are for planning only.
- Licensed, bonded & insured in Arizona. ROC 340966 (R-62) · ROC 341002 (R-3) · ROC 347738 (KA-5) · ROC 211530 (CR-21). Most Arizona contracting work valued at $1,000 or more — or requiring a permit — must be performed by a properly licensed contractor, subject to statutory exemptions. Verify the legal entity, license status, and classification with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
- Real ranges, itemized scope. You see materials, finishes, equipment models, and a line-item budget before you sign — not a one-line "pool — $90,000."
Next step
Plan your investment with a designer.
Five minutes, a real range, and no sales pressure. Or vet any Arizona contractor (us included) before you spend a dollar.